Is Ceramic or Mosaic Tile a Better Option for Your Pool?

If you’re planning on resurfacing your swimming pool, you may be feeling overwhelmed by the number of options available. You have the option of ceramic, porcelain, mosaic, stone, glass—and that’s just scratching the surface. What’s the difference between these materials, and how do you confidently make a choice that will meet your needs and suit your style?

Below, we’ll take a close look at two of the most beautiful, popular tile options to better understand what each one has to offer your upcoming project. What’s the difference between glass mosaic and ceramic tiles, anyway? And is mosaic tile better than ceramic for a swimming pool after all? Read on to find answers to these burning questions.

Mosaic tile vs. ceramic tile

Choosing to tile or retile your pool may feel like a daunting undertaking, but there are many benefits to taking the project on. When compared to other pool surface options, tiles are much more durable. They’re also significantly easier to repair if damaged and less susceptible to staining. If your plaster-lined pool develops cracks or other damage, you have to get the whole thing resurfaced. With tiles on the other hand, you can often just replace the individual tiles affected! This means tiles save you money in the long run.

Ceramic tiles are one of the more inexpensive and versatile options on the market. With the extensive selection of colors and patterns available, no matter what your vision may be, you’ll definitely be able to find a ceramic option that aligns with your design goals. When shopping for ceramic, be sure you’re considering a style that’s suitable for use in a swimming pool. Some ceramic tiles are soft, making them a poor choice for pools, which require a strong, durable tile. Ceramics baked at high temperatures are a great choice for bathrooms and pools, but this material is more susceptible to staining and mildew, so you’ll have to be more proactive about routine cleaning.

Glass mosaic tiles are another gorgeous option that’s sure to wow you. This material has taken the pool tiling world by storm in the last few years, growing in popularity due to its beautiful array of colors and the intricate designs you can create with the tiles. Like ceramic tiles, you are sure to find a color range and pattern that suits your design goals. Made from silicate glass, these tiles are very hardy and hold up great in the pool. Their colors don’t dull or fade over time like plaster and aggregate do, and they’re very easy to clean—simply wipe them down with a mild detergent. However, glass mosaic tiles are more expensive than ceramic, and creating an intricate design will cost more money to install.

At the end of the day, both of these tiles have benefits and disadvantages. You’ll need to weigh them each and determine which is the best choice for your lifestyle, aesthetic and circumstance—there is no definitive right answer. If you need help deciding, reach out to our knowledgeable staff at Can Do Plaster Crew. We’ve been in the pool repair and tiling business for over two decades, and we won’t steer your wrong!

Categorised in: Pool Tile Repair

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